A review by natesea
Fresh Complaint by Jeffrey Eugenides

3.0

This is an overall enjoyable collection of new and old stories that demonstrate Eugenides' strong record as a storyteller. There are a couple 5-star stories, and others are boring, but engaging enough to get through. The title story, though, the last in the book, leaves me disappointed and reminded of some consistent themes in his writing. I found the story Fresh Complaint sexist and out-of-touch, especially given the current culture shift in the relationship of power to gender and sex. I'm trying not to let it ruin the collection for me, but there is something persistent in his portrayal of women that bothers me. I loved Middlesex, but found The Marriage Plot privileged and a bit misogynistic. Eugenides is definitely a force in fiction, but his female narratives need some respectful updating.